Adia Garrick Wells began dreaming of starting a God-centered school serving students from the low-income community in Shreveport, La., where her church is located while teaching 6th grade in a Christian classical school and serving as a Special Education instructor for grades K-3 in the Shreveport Public Schools. Adia has since developed a vision for Ignite Classical School that will prepare leaders through a Christ-centered foundation, classical education, and community presence. Ignite intends to develop leaders who, through their connection with the community, will make a lasting difference based on the true needs of the community they serve.

Adia has worked in education since 2011 after completing four years of medical school. She was previously a department head at Esperanza College of Eastern University and also worked as a Clinician in Behavioral Health counseling children in ages 5-19 in the Philadelphia School System. Adia is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Christian Education at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Adia and her husband Robert are members of Springs of Grace Baptist Church, which will house Ignite Classical School. In addition to participating in The Drexel Fund’s Founders Program, Adia has been selected as a Founder with the Spreading Hope Network.